Secretary Sean Duffy and President Trump deliver a historic $275 million package for America’s truckers, scrapping burdensome speed limiter mandates while tackling the nation’s critical truck parking shortage.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Transportation has withdrawn the controversial speed limiter mandate for heavy-duty trucks that industry experts warned would create dangerous speed differentials on highways.
- A substantial $275 million in grant funding has been allocated specifically for expanding truck parking facilities across the nation, addressing a critical safety concern for drivers.
- The Trump administration’s “pro-trucker package” includes increased hours-of-service flexibility, improved digital tools, and targeted efforts to combat illegal brokering practices.
- Both major industry groups—the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and American Trucking Associations (ATA)—have praised the regulatory reforms as significant victories for truckers.
Trump Administration Rolls Back Burdensome Trucking Regulations
In a decisive move to support America’s vital trucking industry, the Department of Transportation under President Trump has unveiled a comprehensive package of regulatory reforms aimed at improving working conditions for truck drivers while enhancing road safety. The centerpiece of this initiative is the withdrawal of a proposed rule that would have mandated speed limiters for heavy-duty vehicles, a requirement that had faced strong opposition from independent drivers and owner-operators who argued it would create dangerous speed differentials on highways.
“[F]or too long, Washington, DC, has made work harder for truckers. That ends today,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) acknowledged the proposed speed limiter rule lacked sufficient safety justification, validating concerns raised by industry professionals. This regulatory rollback represents just one component of a broader effort to reduce bureaucratic interference in the trucking sector, which employs over 8.5 million Americans and serves as the backbone of the nation’s supply chain infrastructure.
Historic $275 Million Investment in Truck Parking
Perhaps the most celebrated aspect of the DOT’s announcement is the allocation of more than $275 million in grant funding specifically targeted at expanding truck parking capacity nationwide. This investment addresses one of the industry’s most pressing safety concerns, as drivers often struggle to find legal and safe places to park when they reach their maximum allowed driving hours. The shortage of adequate parking has forced many truckers to choose between violating hours-of-service regulations or parking in unsafe locations.
“Truckers keep America running. While the country sleeps, truckers grind through the night to help keep shelves stocked, families fed and businesses humming. It’s a job that requires grit and dedication. But for too long, Washington, D.C., has made work harder for truckers. That ends today. Thanks to President Trump, we’re getting Washington out of your trucks and your business,” said Secretary Sean Duffy.
OOIDA President Todd Spencer, representing over 150,000 members who operate more than 240,000 heavy-duty trucks, emphasized the practical impact of these changes: “These steps not only improve the daily lives of truckers across America, but also enhance safety for everyone on the road. For years, truckers have urged Washington to address the severe shortage of truck parking, eliminate the dangers posed by a national speed limiter mandate, and give drivers greater control over their hours-of-service. We thank President Trump and Secretary Duffy for listening to the men and women behind the wheel who keep America’s economy moving.”
Increased Flexibility and Modernized Resources
The DOT’s nine-point initiative includes several additional measures designed to make truck drivers’ jobs easier and more efficient. These include pilot programs for increased hours-of-service flexibility with options to pause the clock and additional split sleeper berth configurations. The package also includes reforms to the DataQ process to ensure fairness and due process, modernization of the National Consumer Complaint Database, and maintaining the electronic logging device (ELD) exemption for pre-2000 engines.
“Studies and research have already proven what we were all taught long ago in driver’s ed classes – that traffic is safest when vehicles all travel at the same relative speed,” said Todd Spencer, highlighting the safety benefits of the administration’s approach to speed management on highways.
The American Trucking Associations also expressed strong support for these initiatives. “As the leading mover of the nation’s freight, the concerns of our industry not only impact the 8.5 million Americans who work throughout trucking, but they also affect the countless businesses and families we serve across the country. A safe and strong trucking industry is critical to America’s economic growth and security, and data-driven measures like these that reduce regulatory burdens are important steps toward that end,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said in a statement.
Tackling Industry Bad Actors
Another significant component of the DOT’s trucking reforms targets unlawful brokering practices, particularly the problem of double-brokering, which has plagued honest operators in the industry. The department is enhancing enforcement mechanisms to promote industry fairness and protect legitimate businesses from fraudulent actors. This measure comes in response to years of complaints from drivers and small carriers about deceptive practices that undermine trust in the broker-carrier relationship.
“We look forward to continued partnership with the Administration to advance policies that strengthen America’s supply chain and bolster our essential workforce,” said Chris Spear, emphasizing the ATA’s commitment to working with the Trump administration on further improvements to the regulatory landscape.
The comprehensive nature of these reforms reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing America’s trucking industry and demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to supporting the men and women who keep goods moving across the nation. By cutting red tape while prioritizing safety, these initiatives represent a balanced approach to regulation that puts practical outcomes ahead of bureaucratic control.
